Lynnwood motel fire ruled arson

An arsonist was responsible for a Monday fire at the Lynnwood Motor Inn that was originally believed to be an accident, Lynnwood police reported Tuesday.

Three people were taken to Stevens Hospital for smoke inhalation, and more than 50 others were displaced by the two-alarm blaze. It also caused major water damage to bottom units in the two-story building.

Police interviews determined that a 30-year-old woman who had been living in the unit where the fire started the fire, Lynnwood Police spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said.

“She started the fire because she believed she would be able to collect crisis management financial assistance from the American Red Cross,” Sessions said in a statement.

The woman was booked on investigation of arson early Tuesday afternoon. Police said they were looking into woman’s past to see if she was involved in similar incidents.